Get ready to learn more about the book The Turkey Baster Diaries in this discussion with sapphic author Elizabeth James.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Elizabeth James about The Turkey Baster Diaries, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Self-Discovery category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write The Turkey Baster Diaries?
My wife and I embarked on a quest to become parents, it started off as a diary, then became a book as dramatic twists and turns played themselves out. I wanted to document our journey and share our experiences so that others might benefit when on their own parenthood journey.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Its an autobiography, so that’s a hard question, the main protagonist is me, its an honest portrayal, I’m not perfect.
What inspired the idea for The Turkey Baster Diaries?
I had always wanted to write a book, this was an opportunity to share our experiences, to add to the collection of same sex couple family accounts, so that we are not left out or marginalised.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
I would have to say that sitting down to write when events were still emotionally raw was very challenging at times. There was a period, which is reflected in the book, that I had to take several months out for.
What part of The Turkey Baster Diaries was the most fun to write?
There were lots of fun moments, like positive life changing experiences along the way; being able to convey what happened accurately and effectively on paper; sharing the embarrassing medical appointment visits, they were very embarrassing and written with humour.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
It is a myth universally acknowledged that lesbians use turkey basters to get pregnant, I went from there, it seemed apt and humorous.
How much research did you need to do for The Turkey Baster Diaries?
I lived it, then wrote about it shortly afterwards, then edited it continuously over several years. Publishing The Turkey Baster Diaries became my lock down project.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Not sure at the moment, maybe.
What is your favorite line from your book?
There are some things you shouldn’t have to discuss with your parents, lesbian conception is one of them.
What is your writing process like?
I have a mix of approaches to writing, sometimes I had words in my head and I just had to get them down, other times it was hard to write, sometimes I had to write before I forgot what had happened, or how I had felt. Sometimes you just have to get on with it, its like exercising a muscle, you need to keep going to build strength.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
In quiet, with some space, a view, and with coffee.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
I would love to spend time with English novelist Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre (1847), such feisty, strong female characters, I’d love to know how she approached her writing, how she really felt about the books… I find Jane Eyre inspirational to this day, her sense of perseverance and resilience.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Oohh, coffee or English breakfast tea without milk.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I smiled a lot, and couldn’t wait to hold it in my arms, then we had champagne in the garden with my family.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
Hmmm, lesbian gothic fiction…
Do you have any odd writing quirks?
Being dyslexic I am a restless writer, I keep stopping, fidgeting, and coming back to it, and spend ridiculous amounts of time editing.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Chilli the ginger cat, is my writing buddy, we both get a lot out of it, he cuddles, me calmness.
What animal or object best represents you as an author or your writing style?
Hmmm, tricky, a spinning top, when I’m not writing, I’m thinking about what to write.
What are three words that describe your personality?
excitable, busy, reflective
I like to be busy, get things done, I can be a curious mix of shallow and a deep thinker, it makes me a good researcher.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
Edit, edit, and edit some more, take time, leave it to one side, get some people to read it and comment, and make changes. This has made a massive difference to the quality of the final product- take time to let the story breath and become.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Not having space, and quite time to think.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
As I have largely written about how I feel, I’ve had to become more introspective, and take an on-line course in writing about emotions…
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
Think, and rest, and come back to it
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
Charlotte Bronte
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
I’m writing autobiography, so anything that is well written, and reflective, and full of tensions, I don’t want to read a polished life story, life isn’t like that, it’s what makes us interesting.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
Yes, several scenes in my book about our quest for parenthood were emotional for different reasons, writing it proved to be quite an emotive and cathartic endeavour. Friends have told me that they cried too, and they knew how it ended, I guess that writing course paid off.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
I only write about what happened, and I’m not afraid to take away the challenging sections, or poor character choices.
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
No, its not my job to like them, nearly to tell the best, most truthful account I can.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I love cosy crime fiction, and gripping stories about peoples lives, it doesn’t matter who they are or who they love, its the gripping story, the twists and turns that are engaging.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Not really, I have always loved writing, and I wanted to write a book, the best book that I could make it.
What books did you grow up reading?
Adventure stories, space travel, I like to think I have a curious mind and a sense of adventure, I wasn’t an avid reader as a teenager because I found it difficult, but I loved hearing stories and loved writing them.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
Dracula, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Man in the Brown Suit… I’m always a slightly different person e.g. older, when I read them so I gain different insights.
